Warrington GP joined reality TV star's demo held at Manchester Airport

Dr Simon Theobalds, a GP at Stretton Medical Centre in Warrington, spoke out during the demo which was staged outside Terminal 2 of the airport this week and was led by reality TV star Lauren Simon.

The doctor, who also works as a GP and A&E doctor at Pall Mall Medical – a cosmetic surgery clinic – revealed the dangers of brits booking cosmetic procedures to be done abroad.

“Cosmetic surgery can be transformative when done properly. However, without the necessary safety measures, it can lead to tragic consequences both physically and emotionally,” he said.

The Manchester-based clinic has issued an urgent call for the UK government to warn the public about the dangers of low-cost cosmetic procedures abroad. 

Dr Simon Theobalds, a GP at Stretton Medical Practice, holds open letter to MPs for action (Image: Supplied) This move follows a rapid increase in devastating health outcomes, fatalities, and costly corrective surgeries. 

According to the latest figures, 28 Brits have lost their lives due to complications from overseas procedures since 2019, including seven deaths in 2024 alone.

 Among them, the tragic case of mother-of-two, Kaydell Brown, who died after traveling to Turkey for a Brazilian bum lift, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation costing £5,400. 

Despite being a discretional choice, the financial and emotional burden on patients – and the NHS – has been reportedly “staggering”.   

It’s estimated that the NHS spends over £9,000 per patient on treating complications from overseas cosmetic surgeries, a situation Pall Mall describes as “unsustainable and preventable.” 

Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren Simon led the demo, having been the victim of a failed overseas cosmetic procedure (Image: Supplied) Highlighting the risks of “too-good-to-be-true” social media advertising, Pall Mall warned that the allure of discounted procedures blinds many to the severe risks.  

“We see patients drawn in by deals for half-price tummy tucks or breast augmentations,” Dr Theobalds noted. “But these clinics often don’t match the safety standards required in the UK.  

“Language barriers can also lead to misunderstandings, and hygiene standards are often compromised.

“People don’t realise they may be treated by unqualified practitioners, and unfortunately, some end up paying the ultimate price - their life.” 

Key proposals include stricter social media advertising regulations, a national public awareness campaign and the creation of a national registry for overseas cosmetic complications.  

To highlight the risks, on Wednesday the team staged a protest to encourage travellers considering overseas tweaks to know the facts before flying out for cut-price cosmetic procedures.  

The protest was held at Manchester Airport in the hope of preventing those flying abroad for procedures (Image: Supplied) Specialists from the team also offered educational one-on-ones at Pall Mall clinics to discuss safety concerns, share insights from corrective surgeries, and provide guidance on choosing qualified surgeons.

Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren Simon, who experienced complications from a botched breast augmentation in Turkey, joined Pall Mall to raise awareness.

“The costs of these cheap, quick-fix surgeries abroad extend far beyond the financial,” stated Dr Theobalds. 

“Corrective surgeries can end up costing twice or three times the original procedure, and many patients return with infections, scarring, or other severe complications. Some don’t make it back at all. We need the government’s support to ensure that people fully understand the risks they’re taking.”

Pall Mall hopes their efforts will prompt the government to prioritise safety in cosmetic surgery. 

“How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?” added Dr Theobalds. 

“Our message is clear: we want to protect lives and ensure the highest standards of care. This is about more than aesthetics - it’s about saving lives.”

People can call for change by signing Pall Mall’s petition here.